MICHEL LEGRAND: ‘I FOUND MY FAMILY ROOTS IN YEREVAN’
Tert.am
12:20 ~U 19.01.10
Well-known musician Michel Legrand, who is of Armenian descent,
had two performances in Krasnodar, the second of which included the
participation of Georgy Garanyan’s jazz ensemble. The two well-known
musicians have in common not only their love of jazz, but also their
Armenian roots. While in the Russian city, Legrand preferred to eat in
an Armenian restaurant and to meet with the local Armenian community.
In an interview with Russian daily Rossiyskaya Gazeta ("Russian
Newspaper"), Legrand stated that he has been to Armenia many times.
"Isn’t it true that my mother’s maiden name is Der-Mikaelian? My
grandfather was forced to leave the homeland during the days of the
Osmanyan Empire. I found my family’s roots, my cousins, in Yerevan.
Generally, the family is very significant for me. I have four
children. They have all grown up in a muscial environment; I have
tried to give them a good education," said Legrand.
"I’m very demanding and captious. Like my children, I too love to
take risks. Even today I like to fly my plane… it’s like, you are
a bird," he continued.
This year will mark the composer’s 78th birthday. In France, 2010 has
been dedicated to Legrand’s 50-year musical career, and a number of
events are planned to honour the occasion.